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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.